Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved PC
Metascore
76 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 7 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7
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  1. AceGamez
    90
    It's a relentless, addictive yet difficult to master arcade game that epitomises everything that was fun about the classic games it takes its inspiration from - it's easy to pick up yet hard to put down and the perfect game to lose a few spare minutes in.
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  2. 1UP
    90
    It's the Tetris factor -- the minimalist design and the addictive, score-chasing nature keep you mesmerized for what can stretch to hours at a time. It's when you reach hour no. three of a marathon session -- having entered a Zen-like state as you attempt to send your high score into seven-digit territory -- that you realize the simple truth at work here: In a world of interactive stories and photo-realism, Geometry Wars is just a really fun game.
  3. PC Zone UK
    80
    A near perfect port at a perfect price point. [July 2007, p.76]
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  4. PC Gamer UK
    75
    Even more annoyingly, it requires Windows Vista, although there's no real justification for this: it's Direct X 9 and could happily run on XP. [May 2007, p.72]
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  5. GamerNode
    73
    It's cheap ($3.95), quirky, flashy, and relatively fun. But I wouldn't recommend it in long doses, especially with most of the replay value cut.
  6. Eurogamer
    70
    It's still splendid - it's just infuriating that so much of what makes it such a delight has been lost in translation.
  7. GameSpot
    67
    Geometry Wars is a classy arcade-style shooter, but this PC release is missing a ton of features that would make it last longer.

User Reviews

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User Score
8.9 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 69 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26
  1. jim109109
    6
    I play this every now and then when I have a few minutes to kill. The game has excellent replayability despite its low amount of content - making it a perfect arcade game. The gameplay is entertaining, challenging and keeps you on edge. You will feel like a God when you're avoiding entire swarms while shooting them simultaneously. Extra points because this game popularized the double stick genre. The graphics are sweet. If you're getting it for PC, don't bother unless you have the Xbox controller because apparently that's the only one it's compatible with. So, 6 out of 10, which is to me an excellent rating for a simple arcade game.… Full Review »
  2. DX9
    9
    From an unknown indie developer comes Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved. Although having been released some four to five years ago, it was only after some investigation that I discovered this little gem on the Steam store... and I was not disappointed! Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved's premise is simple: using a self, newly-coined phrase, it's a "twin-stick-shooter", whereas you control some kind of spaceship with the keyboard or left joystick on a compatible Xbox 360 controller in one movement, and shoot with the mouse or right joystick in any direction you wish, not necessarily in the direction your ship is currently facing. A base number of bombs -- used to wipe out the screen of enemies when things become too hectic -- accompany the player. And that's it.

    Whilst there's no story at all, you soon realise -- or forget to, since the game becomes crazy extremely soon, thereby distracting you from realising -- that there doesn't need one. It's fine the way it is. It works well with the graphics it has. It works well with the lack of storyline. And it works extremely well with the music that accompanies it. As for the AI? Fantastic.

    With its "pick up and play" attitude, get this game up as soon as possible. Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved is a classic example of "easy to learn, hard to master".    … Full Review »
  3. CPD
    7
    Simple, yet addictive, with good retro-styled graphics and smooth controls. This games only demise is its lack of replay value, as it seems monogamous after a few plays. Either way, a fun shoot-em up to play every once and a while.… Full Review »
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